Glazing profiles with seamless appearance and method of use

ABSTRACT

A glazing frame assembly comprises glazing frame base profile that has cross section which comprises elongated spinal element, glass support element and glazing bar connection unit. The glazing bar connection unit comprises snap support arm, lean support jag and top end. The glazing frame also comprises glazing bar profile that has a cross section which comprises bar spinal element and snap hook element. The top end element protrudes away from the spinal element beyond the lean support jag by at least the thickness of the bar spinal element.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a National Phase Application of PCT InternationalApplication No. PCT/IL2017/050164, International Filing Date Feb. 9,2017, entitled “Glazing Profiles with Seamless Appearance and Method ofUse”, published on Aug. 17, 2017 as International Patent Publication No.WO 2017/013993, claiming the benefit of Israel Patent Application No.244083, filed Feb. 11, 2016, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Glazing support structures (GS S) are widely used in internal andexternal constructions and may be found in large variety of forms and indifferent methods of installations. Glazing is widely used forconstructing internal and external walls and windows. There is anongoing effort to provide glazing structures that compose fancy lookwith stronger support while employing less material in the supportstructure per length unit of the structure. In general, as is depictedin FIGS. 1A and 1B, a structure for glazing may be adapted forsupporting glaze plate(s) disposed along one side of the supportstructure, or on both sides of it. It may be adapted to support onelayer of glazing, or more layers/glazing plates. Generally GSS, such asGSS 10 or 50, comprises a main support element or profile, such aselements 12 or 52, which are adapted to provide structural support forthe supported glaze plates 20 or 70, so as to stabilize them wheninstalled vertically, horizontally or in any desired inclined angle.Element 20, 70 may comprise main support structure 14, 54 and glazesupport leg 16, 56. GSS 10, 50 further comprise glazing bar 18, 58adapted to provide tightening pressure onto glaze plate 20, 70 againstsupport leg 16, 56. In some embodiments glazing bar may be replaced byglazing bond-and-seal material which is adapted to provide bothtightening action of glaze plate 20, 70 towards structure leg 16, 56 andsealing against water/air/dust between glaze plate 20, 70 and mainsupport structure 14, 54.

In some embodiments the GSS may be designed to support glaze plates onboth sides as is shown in FIG. 1B. In such case GSS 50 has two supportlegs 56A and 56B, disposed on opposite sides of main support structure54. Such GSS may be useful for glazing of large framed with internalpartitions. GSS such as 10 or 50 may be used for glazing single glass,double glass or tripe glass. For example, the left side of GSS 50 inFIG. 1B presents glazing of two glasses 70, where one glass lies onstructure leg 56A, then a spaced 60 (for example made of rubber or otherflexible material capable of providing sealing) and then second glass 70is placed on spacer 60 which is clamped towards first glass 70 byglazing bar 58B. Glazing bars such as bars 18, 58A and 58B may be firmlyclamped onto the respective glass using one or more of known means andmethods.

FIGS. 2A and 2B schematically present means and method for clampingglass onto glazing support structure 100. Structure 100 comprise mainsupport structure 102A and glaze support legs 102B, extendingsubstantially perpendicular to main support structure 102A1. Glassplates 110 may be placed on glaze support legs 102B and be clamped toglaze support legs by glazing bars 104, which are formed as‘right-angled’ bar adapted to be placed leaning onto main supportstructure 102A and firmly attached onto glass plate 110 using, forexample, bolts 106, rivets 106, or the like. Some decorative features ofthis type of glazing are attributed to the thin appearance of the thinface 102A1 of the main support structure, which is seen from a viewpointlooking perpendicularly to the glazing. It is considered to provideelegant and retro-style look to the glazing structure.

One line of GSS that gained high popularity is the thin-face type ofprofiles (also known is the iron-style profiles, also known as “Belgianprofiles”), which has relatively thin facet on the face of the profileseen to a viewer standing in front of the window.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A glazing frame assembly is disclosed comprising a glazing frame baseprofile and a glazing bar profile. The cross section of glazing framebase profile comprising an elongated spinal element and glazing barconnection unit. The cross section of the glazing frame base profilecomprising an elongated spinal element, a glass support element. Theglazing bar connection unit comprising a snap support arm, a leansupport jag and a top end of said spinal element. The cross section ofthe glazing bar profile comprising a bar spinal element, a snap leanprotrusion and a snap hook element, wherein the top end elementprotrudes away from the spinal element beyond the lean support jag byD_(PROT) at least the by the thickness of the bar spinal element.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The subject matter regarded as the invention is particularly pointed outand distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification.The invention, however, both as to organization and method of operation,together with objects, features, and advantages thereof, may best beunderstood by reference to the following detailed description when readwith the accompanying drawings in which:

FIGS. 1A and 1B depict structure for glazing may be adapted forsupporting glaze plate(s) disposed along one side of the supportstructure;

FIGS. 2A and 2B schematically present means and method for clampingglass onto glazing support structure;

FIGS. 3A and 3B, schematically present a perspective view of thin faceprofile glazing structure and a cross section view of this structure, asknown in the art;

FIGS. 3C and 3D schematically present cross section view and a partialtop view, respectively, of glazing profile structure;

FIG. 3E depicts schematic cross section of a glazing bar undergoingforced pulled-out bending;

FIGS. 4A-4D schematically present a perspective view of thin faceprofile glazing structure, a cross section view, a partial disassembledview and a partial top view of this structure, as known in the art;

FIG. 4E schematically depicts the result of exertion of “pull-out force”on glazing bar of FIGS. 4A-4D;

FIG. 5A is a schematic cross section of glazing frame assembly accordingto embodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 5B and 5C are schematic cross section illustrations of a glazingframe base profile and of glazing bar profile, respectively, accordingto embodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 5D and 5E are schematic illustrations of a two-sided glazing frameassembly in isometric view and top partial view, respectively, accordingto embodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 5F and 5G, which are schematic illustrations of a two-sidedglazing frame assembly in isometric view and top partial view,respectively, according to embodiments of the present invention; and

FIGS. 6A and 6B are schematic illustrations of a glazing flame assemblyaccording to some embodiments of the present invention.

It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration,elements shown in the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale.For example, the dimensions of some of the elements may be exaggeratedrelative to other elements for clarity. Further, where consideredappropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the figures toindicate corresponding or analogous elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are setforth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention.However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that thepresent invention may be practiced without these specific details. Inother instances, well-known methods, procedures, and components have notbeen described in detail so as not to obscure the present invention.

The desirable look provided by glazing structures such as the glazingstructures used for Belgian style glazing described above with regard toFIGS. 1A-1B, 2A-2B, required lengthy and expensive blacksmith work whilefast building constructing could not afford these disadvantages. Cheaperand faster to construct solutions were found using pre-fabricatedaluminum profiles designed to provide both the required supportingstrength and the typical look of thin face facing the viewer standing infront of the glasses.

Reference is made to FIGS. 3A and 3B, which schematically present aperspective view of thin face profile glazing structure 300 and a crosssection view of this structure, as known in the art. Glazing structure300 comprises main support profile 301 which comprises main structureprofile 302 and glass support portion 304. Main structure profile 302has a thin cross section with its height dimension H (the dimensionparallel to symmetric line 300A in FIG. 3B) bigger than the widthdimension W. The actual magnitude of the H dimension is typically set toensure sufficient structural support for the glass plates. Mainstructure profile 302 is adapted to provide structural supportespecially to forces acting perpendicular to the supported glass, and assuch acting through its plane parallel to the symmetric line 300A (or tothe dimension H in general) and therefore receiving maximal support fromthe profile. Glass support portion 304 may be disposed proximal to or ata first end of main structure profile 302 and may extend traversal toit. Glass support portion 304 is designed to provide support to one sideof the glass assembly. Glass support portion 304 may be an integral partof main structure profile 302 or may be firmly attached to it. Glazingstructure 300 further comprises glazing bar 308 adapted to providecounter pressure onto the glass assembly against the support provided byglass support portion 304. Glazing bar 308 is typically made of aprofile separated from main structure profile 302 and is typicallyformed so as to enable connection to main structure profile 302 whileproviding installation pressure onto the glass assembly.

Main structure profile 302 may have disposed at its second end, oppositeto the first end of main structure profile 302, glazing bar installationstructure 306, which comprises at least two protrusions 306A and 306B,formed as two snap-on jags protruding sideways from main structureprofile 302 and having each sharpened point pointing at each other andadapted to accommodate corresponding snap-on jags of glazing bar 308.The distance between the at least two protrusions 306A and 306B may beadapted to provide universal installation channel 306, for accommodatingassemblies such as locking assembly, hinge assembly, and the like.

Glazing bar profile 308 may comprise main longitudinal portion 308Aadapted to be parallel to main structure profile 302 when installed ontoit. Main longitudinal portion 308A may have disposed at its first endfirst installation snap arm 308B having at its distal end sharpenedpoint 308B1. Main longitudinal portion 308A may have disposed closer toits second end second installation snap arm 308C having at its distalend sharpened point 308C1. Sharpened points 308B1 and 308C1 point awayfrom each other and the distance between them is slightly longer thanthe distance between the sharpened points of protrusions 306A and 306B,thus allow snap-on connection of glazing bar profile 308 ontoprotrusions 306A and 306B. Main longitudinal portion 308A may havefurther disposed at its distal end counter pressure end 308D, adapted toprovide counter pressure onto glass assembly structured with profileglazing structure 300 when snap-attached to main structure profile 302.

When glazing bar profile 308 is snapped onto main structure profile 302the distance between the outer face of counter pressure end 308D ofglazing bar profile 308 and the side of glass support portion 304 ofmain support profile 301 facing counter pressure end 308D is designed toaccommodate the desired number of glass plates and the desired numberand thickness of respective spacers disposed between them.

As may be seen on the left side of FIG. 3B when glass assembly, of twoglass plates and a spacer disposed between them, is assembled betweenglass support portion 304 and the outer face of counter pressure end308D of glazing bar profile 308, pressure aligned with arrows AA isasserted onto the glass assembly, which in turn returns counter force asdepicted by arrow BB onto glass support portion 304 and the outer faceof counter pressure end 308D. The exertion of force BB on glazing barprofile 308 produces moment CC around pivot point formed at the contactpoint of sharpened point 308C1 of second installation snap arm 308C withthe sharpened point of protrusion 306B, as encircled in dash-line circle330B. the action of moment CC is directed as indicated by the arrow headof the arrow CC. When glass assembly that is assembled in glazingstructure 300 is subject to increased forces acting perpendicular to theface of the glass plate(s), for example due to wind pressure exertedonto the glass assembly, increased force as indicated by arrow DD may beforced onto the glass assembly and therefore exerts additional force DD′onto glazing bar profile 308 in the direction indicated by arrow DD′.

The installation of glazing using glazing structure 300 involves forminginstallation frame made of main support profiles 301, insertion of glassassembly into the formed flame, and firmly fastening the glass assemblyby insertion of glazing bar profile 308 onto main support profile 301 inthe direction indicated by arrow EE and finally snapping it onprotrusions 306A and 306B. Typically, the outer face of counter pressureend 308D of glazing bar profile 308 may be equipped with elastic profileaccommodated in channel 308D1, in order to provide soft contact with theglass assembly. Similarly an elastic profile may be accommodated inchannel 304A of arm 304, in order to provide soft and elastic contactwith the glass assembly.

When increased force, such as force presented by arrow DD′, is exertedonto glazing bar profile 308, for example due to wind force exerted ontothe glass assembly, at a certain point the effect of the increasedexerted force may cause first installation snap arm 308B and secondinstallation snap arm 308C to bend towards each other and as a resultthe snap-engagements encircled in circles 330A and 330B depart, andfirst installation snap arm 308B and second installation snap arm 308Care pulled out from the counter-snap arrangement of snap jags 306A and306B, as described in details with respect to FIG. 3C and FIG. 3D.

Reference is made now to FIGS. 3C and 3D which schematically presentcross section view and a partial top view, respectively, of glazingprofile structure 300 with the left glazing bar 308 positioned out ofmain support profile 301. Reference is also made to FIG. 3E whichdepicts schematic cross section of glazing bar 308 undergoing forcedpulled-out bending. As seen in FIG. 3C, the connection point of firstinstallation snap arm 308B to main longitudinal portion 308A of glazingbar 308, marked BP1, may act as a pivot point for bending of firstinstallation snap arm 308B when pull-out force is exerted. Similarly,bending point BP2 may act as a pivot for the bending of secondinstallation snap arm 308C when pull-out force is exerted. It will beapparent to one skilled in the art that the longer is the distance W3between first sharpened point 308B1 and bending point BP1, and thedistance W4 between second sharpened point 308C1 and bending point BP2,the smaller is the pull-out force required to depart glazing bar 308from its snapped position in main support profile 301. In other words,the bigger is the ratio between W3 and the distance H2 between firstsharpened point 308B1 and second sharpened point 308C1, or the rationbetween W4 and H2, the smaller is the pull-out force required to causeundesired pulling of glazing bar 308 from main support profile 301. FIG.3D depicts the way first and second installation snap arms are bent(depicted in dashed lines) under exertion of pull-out force.

Further, as seen in FIG. 3A, the total width of the face of the glazingstructure 300, seen to a viewer looking straight at the glass and markedGlazing Profile Face Width (GPFW), is the sum of width W of the face302B of main structure profile 302 and twice the width W′ of portion308B′ of first installation snap arm 308B:GPFW=W+2W′There is a need to shorten the length of portion 308B′ for at least tworeasons, as discussed above. First, the sorter this portion is, thebigger is the pull-out force required to disengage the glazing bar fromthe main structure profile, that is—the bigger is the resistance of thestructure to forces acting on the glazing, such as wind forces. Second,as the length W′ gets shorter, the appearance of the glazing structureis considered nicer and more desirable.

The right side glazing bar 308 of FIG. 3B depicts the action involved ininstallation of the glazing. After the required number of glass platesand separation spacers are disposed (as seen at the left side of FIG.3B), glazing bar 308 may be manually, on spot of the installation, beslid over the face of the upper glass towards the respective sharpenedpoints of protrusions 306A and 306B, as depicted by arrow EE. Typically,since the snap-engagement arrangement includes two pairs of snap-onconnecting points, the force required to be operated parallel to thedirection of arrow EE for engaging glazing bar 308 with main structureprofile 302, is quite high and when the installation length of theglazing structure is long, for example longer than 1.5 meters, more thanone installation worker may be required to complete the process,and/or—use of installation hammer may be required. There is a need toprovide glazing bars that require less exerted installation force whileproviding improved resistance to pull-out forces, such as wind forces.

Reference is made to FIGS. 4A-4D, which schematically present aperspective view of thin face profile glazing structure 400, a crosssection view, a partial disassembled view and a partial top view of thisstructure, as known in the art. Thin face profile glazing structure 400is very similar in many aspects to thin face profile glazing structure300, except for its first installation snap arm 408B and secondinstallation snap arm 408C which are shorter compared to firstinstallation snap arm 308B and second installation snap arm 308C (FIGS.3A-3D) and compared to distance H2′ between first installation snap arm408B and second installation snap arm 408C. While first installationsnap arm 408B and second installation snap arm 408C are shorter, asdiscussed above, they are still subject to pull-out forces such as forceexerted due to fastening force of the glass plates and/or wind forceacting on the glass plates. Reference is made now also to FIG. 4E whichschematically depicts the result of exertion of “pull-out force” onglazing bar 408. As a result of the action of “pull-out force” about“pivot point” “pull-out force 1” is exerted on the upper lean point 402Bof the upper portion of main structure profile 402. As seen in the leftside of FIG. 4E, around breaking points BP3 and BP4 first installationsnap arm 408B and second installation snap arm 408C tend to bendinwardly as depicted by bent anus 408B′ and 408C′, respectively.

Thus, both face profile glazing structures 300 and 400 demonstratedisadvantages with respect to sensitivity to pull-out forces and withrespect to the decorative appearance of their top view which present, inboth structures, visible connection lines 303 and 403, respectively.These disadvantages are addressed in the novel glazing profile of thepresent invention, as described herein below.

Glazing frame profiles that may provide structural support for glazingof multiple glass layers, to provide enhanced resistibility to forcesacting on the glass plates such as wind pressures and concurrently havethin forehead face width is highly advantageous.

In the following description features of glazing frame profiles aredescribed with respect to the form and structural design of theprofile's shape of a cross section done in a plane perpendicular to thelongitudinal dimension of the profile, assuming that where it is notmentioned otherwise, along the profile the same cross section exists.

Reference is made to FIG. 5A which is a schematic cross section ofglazing frame assembly 500 and to FIGS. 5B and 5C which are schematiccross section illustrations of glazing frame base profile 510 and ofglazing bar profile 550, respectively, according to embodiments of thepresent invention. Glazing frame assembly 500 may be used for framingone or more glass plates (singe, double, triple glazing etc.). Glazingframe assembly 500 may be formed for framing or supporting glassplate(s) at one of its sides or at both sides of the frame profile(glazing partition). Glazing frame assembly 500 of FIG. 5A, and glazingframe base profile 510 are drawn according to according to single sideglazing embodiment, however it would be apparent to those skilled in theart that same or similar form of the respective elements of glazingframe base profile 510 appearing on its right side (as in FIG. 5B) mayappear, with the required changes made to meet specific framingrequirements, on the other side (the left side in FIG. 5B) of glazingframe base profile 510. Moreover, glazing frame base profile 510 may beformed slightly differently from the base form depicted in FIGS. 5A and5B, yet such additional forms do not deviate from the scope of theinvention as described and claimed in the current application.

Glazing flame assembly 500, as depicted in FIG. 5A, is shown in itsassembled form, presented using a single-sided frame profile. As seen inthe drawing, glazing bar profile 550 is assembled onto glazing flamebase profile 510, as is the case when used for glazing, however theglass plates and related elements are removed from this drawing for thesake of improved clarity.

Reference is made now to FIG. 5B, which is a schematic cross sectionillustration of glazing frame base profile 510, according to embodimentsof the present invention. Glazing frame base profile 510 comprise spinalelement 512 connected firmly at its first end (herein after “bottomend”) to glass support element 514 and have disposed at its second end(herein after “top end”) glazing bar connection unit 530. Spinal element512 is formed as an elongated thin profile aligned with longitudinalline 510A in which the ratio between the thickness W_(SP) of at leastportion and its length L_(SP) maintains:

$\begin{matrix}{\frac{W_{SP}}{L_{SP}} = K_{\lbrack{{k\; 1} < K < {k\; 2}}\rbrack}} & (1)\end{matrix}$Where k1 and k2 define upper and lower limits for thethickness-to-length aspect ratio of glazing frame base profile 510. Itwould be apparent that the thickness of glazing frame base profile 510at certain points along it may vary yet, the thickness W_(SP) that ismeasured at its minimal thickness point(s), defines its points ofminimal support strength to forces acting between glass support element514 and glazing bar profile 550, as indicated by arrow GF_(GSF) (GlazingFrame glazing support force) in FIG. 5A.

Glass support element 514 may be connected, at its proximal end, toglazing frame base profile 510 at its bottom end or close to it, and mayextend substantially at a right angle with respect to glazing frame baseprofile 510 longitudinal line 510A. Glass support element 514 may haveprovided, at its distal end, glass support pad 514A, which may beadapted to interface a first side of a glazing glass assembly, either indirect contact with the glass assembly or via interface element, as isdescribed herein after.

Glazing bar connection unit 530 may comprise snap support arm 530Bextending substantially at a right angle from spinal element 512 to thesame side as glass support element 514 to a distance D_(SNAP) of itsouter face from spinal element 512, forming gap of d_(SNAP) between itsinner face and spinal element 512. At the distal end of snap support arm530B snap jag 530B1 is disposed extending from the remote end of snapsupport arm 530B towards the top end 516 of spinal element 512. Snap jag530B1 is formed as a protrusion from the distal end of snap support arm530B, so as to provide snap connection for glazing bar 550, as isdescribed herein after.

Glazing bar connection unit 530 may further comprise glazing bar leansupport jag 530A extending from top end 516 of spinal element 512towards snap jag 530B1 and disposed with its outer face at a distanceD′_(SNAP) from spinal element 512. According to some embodimentsD′_(SNAP) may equal to D_(SNAP), however in all embodiments themagnitude of D_(SNAP) and of D′_(SNAP) is set to enable a requiredplacement of glazing bar profile 550 with respect to glazing frame baseprofile 510. Typically and preferably glazing bar profile 550 is placed,when snapped onto glazing frame base profile 510, so that the outer face552A of glazing bar 550 is aligned parallel to longitudinal line 510A ofglazing frame base profile 510. It will be noted that the structuraldimensions D_(SNAP) and D′_(SNAP) are presented here measured from face512A of spinal element 512 which in FIG. 5B is presented as a straightline, for the sake of convenience and clarity of the structuralfeatures. It will be noted however that these dimensions may be measuredfrom a different reference line, for example from longitudinal line510A, with the required change in their magnitude.

Top end 516 may extend beyond glazing bar lean support jag 530A byD_(PROT) distance. This dimension may be adapted to fully cover and‘hide’ from a viewer the thin face 552B of glazing bar 550 facing awayfrom the glass plates, when glazing bar is assembled with glass platesonto glazing frame base profile 510 and the viewer is looking at theglazed glass plates from the side close to top end 516.

Lean support jag 530A protrudes from the inner face of top end 516A byd_(PROT). This dimension may be set to satisfy selectable designrequirements, yet it may be limited at least by the length beyond whichthe distance D_(SNINST) between the remote end of lean support jag 530Aand the remote end of snap jag 530B1 will be considered too short toensure firm hold of glazing bar profile 550 onto glazing frame baseprofile 510, as is described in details herein below.

Glazing bar profile 550 may comprise glass fastening bar 554 extendingfrom first (bottom) end of bar spinal element 552 substantially in aright angle toward first side (the outer face of glazing bar profile550) of bar spinal element 552 and firmly attached to it. According tosome embodiments fastening bar 554 may be made as one part with barspinal element 552. Bar spinal element may be formed as thin elongatedelement extending longitudinally from glass fastening bar 554 to top endface 552B. Glass fastening bar 554 may have thickness dimension thatallows exertion of fastening forces onto glass plates, when glazingframe assembly 500 is assembled with glass plates, as may be required.

Glazing bar 550 may further comprise snap lean protrusion 560A extendingsubstantially at a right angle from bar spinal element 552 from the sideof bar spinal element 550 opposite to the side to which glass fasteningbar 554 extends. Snap lean protrusion 560A is positioned along barspinal element 552 at a distance d_(PROT) from top end face 552B of barspinal element 552. Lean protrusion 560A may protrude from bar spinalelement 552 not more than D_(SNAP) thus ensuring that lean protrusion560A will not touch face 512A of spinal element 512, when glazing bar550 is assembled onto glazing frame assembly 500.

Glazing bar 550 may further comprise snap hook element 560B extendingfrom bar spinal element 552 from the side of snap lean protrusion 560A,at a point along bar spinal element 550 between snap lean protrusion560A and fastening bar 554. Snap hook element 560B is formed as a hookthe pointed end 560B1 of which points towards the edge of bar spinalelement 552 that is close to glass fastening bar 554. The side ofpointed end 560B1 of snap hook element 560B that faces bar spinalelement 552 is remote from bar spinal element 552 by D_(SNAPJ) whichmaintains:D _(SNAPJ) =D _(SNAP) −d _(SNAP)This relation between these structural dimensions ensures that whenglazing bar 550 is assembled onto glazing frame assembly 500, pointedend 560B1 of snap hook element 560B snaps-slides over the tip 530B1 ofsnap support arm 530B and tightly embraces it to provide snap-activatedfastening of glazing bar 550 to glazing frame assembly 500. At thisposition distal end 552C of bar spinal element 552 that is close to endface 552B leans against facet 530D of lean support jag 530A of glazingframe base profile 510 and thereby provides counter force to resistturning moment stress exerted when glazing bar 550 exerts fasteningforce onto the glass plates. Moreover, in this position top end face552B of glazing bar 550 abuts facet 530E of the portion of top end 516that protrudes beyond lean support jag 530A. When excessive force isexerted on fastening bar 554 of glazing bar 550, for example due toexcessive wind force acting on the glass plates framed in glazing frameassembly 500, snap hook element 560B may tend to bend so that pointedend 560B1 of snap hook element 560B begins sliding off tip 530B1 of snapsupport arm 530B, this tendency is strongly resisted, and therebyconter-supported due to the counter force provided by facet 530E to topend face 552B of glazing bar 550.

The inventive structure as described with respect to FIGS. 5A-5C may beimplemented to provide support to glazing on both sides of the glazingprofile. Reference is made now to FIGS. 5D and 5E which are schematicillustrations of a two-sided glazing frame assembly 5000 in isometricview and top partial view, respectively, according to embodiments of thepresent invention. Glazing frame assembly 5000 comprises a centralglazing frame base profile 5002, adapted to accommodate one glazing bar5020 on each side of it, according to embodiments of the presentinvention. The general structure of glazing frame assembly 5000 issimilar to that of glazing frame assembly 500 of FIGS. 5A-5C, with thenecessary modifications. On each side of the two sides of spinal element5004 there are disposed glazing bar connection units 5010C substantiallyformed and functioning similar to glazing bar connection units 530 ofFIGS. 5A-5C. Glazing bar connection units 5010C are adapted tosnap-connect to glazing bar profiles 5020, substantially similar to thesnap-connection of glazing bar profile 550 to glazing frame base profile510. As may be seen, from top-view (as indicated by an arrow in FIG. 5D)the seeable portion 5016 of two-sided glazing frame assembly 5000 is asingle flat ‘strip’ with no seeable connection lines of two adjacentprofiles, as opposed to seeable connection lines 403 in FIGS. 4B and 4D.According to the inventive structure of glazing frame assembly 5000 theconnection line 5030 formed at the meeting line of the correspondingedges of top element 5010C with top line of the bar spinal element ofglazing bar profile 5020. This way the glazing structure provided byglazing frame assembly 5000 provides glazing frame with neat and cleanface, having no seeable connection lines.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that a glazing frameassembly made according to embodiments of the present invention may havemade, one of its sides (left or right) glazing elements as describedwith respect to FIGS. 5A-5C and any other profile structure on its otherside. The profile of that other side may be made to accommodateconnection to a wall, to provide support to hinges of a window or adoor, etc.

It will also be apparent to those skilled in the art that thelongitudinal element, such as spinal element 512 of FIGS. 5A-5C, whichconnects glass support element, such as element 514 of FIGS. 5A-5C, toglazing bar connection unit, such as connection unit 530 of FIGS. 5A-5C,may be configured n various configurations that may be dictatedaccording to various structural constrains, without departing from thespirit of the invention.

Reference is made now to FIGS. 5F and 5G, which are schematicillustrations of a two-sided glazing frame assembly 5500 in isometricview and top partial view, respectively, according to embodiments of thepresent invention. The similarity of the structure of glazing frameassembly 5500 to glazing frame assembly 500 of FIGS. 5A-5C is emphasizedby the grey-shapes 5500A and 5550A which are similar to glazing framebase profile 510 and glazing bar profile 550, respectively. In theembodiment of glazing frame assembly 5500 some modifications weremade/added, such as bottom box 5506A disposed underneath glass supportelement 5506, installation internal profile 5504 or snap support armstrengthening structure 5504B, however these modifications/additions donot depart from the spirit of the basic structural form of glazing frameassembly according to embodiments of the present invention, such asglazing frame assembly 500 or 5000. As clearly seen in FIG. 5G, from topview the seeable form of top end of 5516 of glazing frame assembly 5000is a single longitudinal stripe with no seeable connections lines.

Glazing frame assembly 5500 further comprises glazing bar 5520 whichsubstantially is formed similar to glazing bar 5020.

According to some embodiments glazing frame assembly 5500 may furthercomprise glass pad installation channel 5506B disposed on glass supportportion 5506 so that its open face is facing towards top face 5516 ofinstallation internal profile 5504. installation channel 5506B is formedto accommodate glass pad 5506C that has a substantially flat face facingtowards top face 5516 so as to provide fastening area to a fastenedglass. Glass pad 5506C may preferably be made of a material havingcertain degree of flexibility to allow providing fastening force to aglass plate without breaking it.

Glazing bar 5520 further comprises glass upper pad support element 5522Adisposed substantially at the distal end of glass fastening bar 5522.Pad support element 5522A may be formed as an elongated protrusion withthickening at its head end, adapted to allow snap-connection of glasstop fastener pad 5522B. Glass top fastener pad 5522B has a substantiallyflat face facing towards pad 5506C so as to provide fastening area to afastened glass. Glass top fastener pad 5522B may preferably be made of amaterial having certain degree of flexibility to allow providingfastening force to a glass plate without breaking it

Reference is made now to FIGS. 6A and 6B which are schematicillustrations of glazing frame assembly 600 according to someembodiments of the present invention.

Glazing frame assembly 600 comprise glazing frame base profile 610 andglazing bar profile 650 that is adapted to snap-connect to glazing framebase profile 610, as is exemplified by dashed-line glazing bar profile650′ in FIG. 6A. Glazing frame base profile 610 is substantially same asglazing frame base profile 510 of FIGS. 5A-5C and the description of thevarious elements of glazing frame base profile 510 is applicable withrespect to glazing frame base profile 610. Glazing bar profile 650differs from glazing bar 550 by not having disposed on it a snap leanprotrusion, such as snap lean protrusion 560A of FIG. 5C. When glazingbar profile 650 is snapped onto glazing frame base profile 610 andforces, such as glazing force and/or wind force are exerted onto glassfastening bar 654 as is exemplified by the arrow, moments develop aroundpivot point 610A formed by the snap connection of snap hook element 660Band snap jag 630B1. Counter moment force is provided by facet 630D thatacts against distal end 652C of bar spinal element 652 and of glazingbar profile 650 and counter force that resists pull-out of glazing barprofile 650 from the snap-connection to glazing frame base profile 610is provided by the counter force that facet 630E provides to thin face652B of glazing bar profile 650. The embodiment depicted in FIGS. 6A and6B may solve practical issues that arise, in certain cases, with glazingbars formed as glazing bar 550 of FIGS. 5A-5C. When such glazing bar ispainted, even using thin coating provided by spray painting, thickerlayer of pain tends to build-up in the corner marked 550A in FIG. 5C.Such build-up sometimes prevents proper installation of glazing bar suchas glazing bar 550, onto its corresponding glazing frame base profile,such as glazing frame base profile 510. When this is the case it may notbe solved easily, or may not be solved at all, without harming the paintcoating of the glazing bar.

While certain features of the invention have been illustrated anddescribed herein, many modifications, substitutions, changes, andequivalents will now occur to those of ordinary skill in the art. It is,therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended tocover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spiritof the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A glazing frame assembly (500) comprising: aglazing frame base profile (510), a cross section of same comprising: anelongated spinal element (512); a glass support element (514) with aglass support pad (514A) formed on the end distal from the elongatedspinal element; and glazing bar connection unit (530), comprising: asnap support arm (530B); a lean support jag (530A); and a top end (516)of said elongated spinal element; and a glazing bar profile (550), thecross section of same comprising: a bar spinal element (552); a glassfastening bar (554) extending from first (bottom) end of bar spinalelement (552); a snap hook element (560B); and a snap lean protrusion(560A) positioned along the bar spinal element at a distance (d_(PROT))from a top end face (552B) of the bar spinal element; wherein, when theglass support element (514) and the glazing bar connection unit (530)are connected, said glass support pad (514A) and said glass fasteningbar (554) are disposed facing each other and are adapted to providepressure on a glazing plate at a direction aligned with the longitudinaldimension of the elongated spinal element (512); said top end element(516) protrudes away from said elongated spinal element (512) beyondsaid lean support jag (530A) by (D_(PROT)) length extending at least asthe thickness of said bar spinal element (552), thereby forming innerfacet (530E), wherein, when said glazing bar element is installed onsaid glazing frame base profile so that the snap hook element is engagedwith the snap support bar top end face (552B) leans against the innerfacet, and wherein the line connecting between the snap hook element andthe inner facet is substantially perpendicular to the face of the glasssupport pad.
 2. The glazing frame assembly (500) of claim 1 wherein saidglazing bar profile (550) further comprising: a snap lean protrusion(560A).
 3. The glazing frame assembly (500) of claim 1 wherein saidglazing frame base profile (510) further comprising: glass padinstallation channel (5506B).
 4. The glazing frame assembly (500) ofclaim 3 wherein said glazing frame base profile (510) furthercomprising: glass pad (5506C) adapted to be installed into said glasspad installation channel (5506B) and to provide contact area forexerting fastening force onto a glass plate.
 5. A glazing frame assembly(500) comprising: a glazing frame base profile (510), a cross section ofsame comprising: an elongated spinal element (512); a glass supportelement (514) with a glass support pad (514A) formed on the end distalfrom the elongated spinal element; and glazing bar connection unit(530), comprising: a snap support arm (530B); a lean support jag (530A);and a top end (516) of said elongated spinal element; and a glazing barprofile (550), the cross section of same comprising: a bar spinalelement (552); a snap hook element (560B) a snap lean protrusion (560A)positioned along the bar spinal element at a distance (d_(PROT)) from atop end face (552B) of the bar spinal element; wherein, when the glasssupport element (514) and the glazing bar connection unit (530) areconnected, said glass support pad (514A) and said glass fastening bar(554) are disposed facing each other and are adapted to provide pressureon a glazing plate at a direction aligned with the longitudinaldimension of the elongated spinal element (512); wherein said top endelement (516) protrudes away from said elongated spinal element (512)beyond said lean support jag (530A) by (D_(PROT)) length extending atleast as the thickness of said bar spinal element (552), thereby forminginner facet (530E), wherein, when said glazing bar element is installedon said glazing frame base profile so that the snap hook element isengaged with the snap support bar top end face (552B) leans against theinner facet, and wherein the line connecting between the snap hookelement and the inner facet is substantially perpendicular to the faceof the glass support pad.
 6. The glazing frame assembly (500) of claim 5wherein said glazing frame base profile (510) further comprising: glasspad installation channel (5506B).
 7. The glazing frame assembly (500) ofclaim 5 wherein said glazing frame base profile (510) furthercomprising: glass pad (5506C) adapted to be installed into said glasspad installation channel (5506B) and to provide contact area forexerting fastening force onto a glass plate.